Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| pettegolo | /petˈte.ɡo.lo/ | masculine |
| chiacchierone | /kjak.kjeˈro.ne/ | masculine |
| comare | /koˈma.re/ | feminine, regional |
| linguacciuto | masculine |
The term pettegolo/a is a common informal way to describe a person who enjoys gossiping.
What does it mean word for word?
The word pettegolo is derived from pettegolezzo, which means gossip or idle chatter.
Which one should you use?
There are several nuances between the available terms. pettegolo implies someone who spreads rumors or gossip. In contrast, chiacchierone refers more generally to someone who talks a lot or is very talkative. linguacciuto is a more derogatory and descriptive term for a gossiper, literally implying someone whose tongue is too long or active.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain Italian dialects and regions, comare is used to describe a woman who engages in gossip, often playing on the traditional social role of a 'comare'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine form pettegolo changes its final vowel to a to become the feminine pettegola. For the word chiacchierone, the masculine plural is formed by changing the final vowel to an i, resulting in chiacchieroni.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /petˈte.ɡo.lo/. It has four syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- The word comare shares the same root as the English word 'mother' and literally means 'co-mother'. It originally referred to the godmother of a child.
- The masculine suffix in chiacchierone serves a dual purpose. It not only identifies the person as a 'talker' but also uses the '-one' suffix to emphasize the scale or intensity of the chatter.
- If you want to call someone a gossiper in a particularly insulting way, use linguacciuto. It shifts the description from someone who simply talks too much to someone who is actively 'licking' or spreading harm with their tongue.
Examples in context
- Non fidarti di lui, è un pettegolo.Don't trust him, he is a gossiper.
- Quel pettegolo ha raccontato tutto al gruppo.That gossiper told everything to the group.
- Il mio vicino è un pettegolo incorreggibile.My neighbor is an incorrigible gossiper.
Example conversation
Sofia and Matteo are talking about a former coworker in a cafe.
- SofiaHai sentito cosa ha detto Marco?Did you hear what Marco said?
- MatteoNo, ma so che è un pettegolo.No, but I know he is a gossiper.
- SofiaÈ proprio un pettegolo pericoloso!He really is a dangerous gossiper!
- MatteoSì, meglio non parlarci troppo.Yes, it's better not to talk to him too much.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gossiper” translations and entries pettegolo, chiacchierone, comare, linguacciuto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chiacchierone, comare, pettegolo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
